Chile 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Santiago

  • Morning: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at a local café. Visit the Plaza de Armas, the city’s main square and historic center, surrounded by beautiful Spanish Colonial architecture. Don’t miss the Metropolitan Cathedral and the City Hall.

  • Afternoon: Head to Parque Metropolitano, Santiago’s largest urban park offering stunning views of the city. If you’re an art enthusiast, visit the Museum of Memory and Human Rights that chronicles Chile’s history from the military coup in 1973 to the present day.

  • Evening: Explore Bellavista, a bohemian neighborhood filled with street art, bars, and restaurants. Try some local seafood at Poblado Costanero. End your day with a visit to the Santiago Bell Tower for panoramic views of the city at sunset.

Things to Know:

  • Santiago is located in a valley, so it can get quite cold in the evenings and mornings, especially during winter months (June-August).
  • Spanish is the official language, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
  • Chile uses the Chilean peso as currency. Credit cards are accepted in most places, but it’s always good to have some cash on hand.

Day 2: Valparaíso & Viña del Mar

  • Morning: Take a bus or train from Santiago (approx. 1.5 hours) to the coastal cities of Valparaíso and Viña del Mar. Explore the colorful hillside neighborhoods of Valparaíso, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • Afternoon: Visit Playa Ancha, one of the oldest beaches in Chile, in Viña del Mar. Stroll through the beautiful gardens of Quinta Vergara and enjoy live music during the annual Viña del Mar International Song Festival.

  • Evening: Return to Santiago or spend the night in Valparaíso. Enjoy a seafood dinner at one of the many restaurants along the waterfront.

Day 3: Torres del Paine National Park (Optional)

  • Day Trip: If you have an extra day, consider taking a tour to Torres del Paine National Park. This park is famous for its towering granite peaks, glaciers, and abundant wildlife. Be prepared for long travel days - it’s about a 12-hour bus ride from Santiago each way.

Visa Requirements:

  • Many countries do not need a visa to enter Chile for tourism purposes and can stay for up to 90 days. However, check the Chilean government’s website to confirm your specific visa requirements.

Transportation:

  • Buses are the most common way to travel between cities in Chile, and there are several companies offering services. You can also take trains from Santiago to Valparaíso/Viña del Mar. For longer trips, such as Torres del Paine, organized tours are recommended.